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Comparing Political Systems: Canada versus the United States

Comparing Political Systems: Canada versus the United States. Christopher Sands G. Robert Ross Distinguished Professor of Canada-U.S. Business and Economics Study Canada 2014 Ottawa, Ontario June 26 , 2014. Canada versus USA.

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Comparing Political Systems: Canada versus the United States

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  1. Comparing Political Systems:Canada versus the United States Christopher Sands G. Robert Ross Distinguished Professor of Canada-U.S. Business and Economics Study Canada 2014 Ottawa, Ontario June 26, 2014

  2. Canada versus USA Canada's Rick Nash, left, levels Team U.S.A.'s Brian Rafalski during the Feb 21 game at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)

  3. Why Compare? Different Systems Similar Systems What is different about them, and why? • What do they have in common, and why? Photos of Hillary Farr, David Visentin, Drew and Jonathan Scott. Source: HGTV

  4. Politics “The ubiquity of the relationship between the governor and the governed, of ruler and ruled, leads students of politics to single out poweras the basic characteristic of human behavior of interest to them. “Who exercises power? For whose benefit? In what manner? To what ends? According to what principles, if any? By what right? Such questions occupy the philosophy of politics. They are also the concern of prime ministers, presidents, and princes." V.O. Key's definition of politics, taken from Politics, Parties, and Pressure Groups. Fifth Edition. (Thomas Y. Crowell Company, 1964) page 2

  5. Common Principles • Magna Carta (1215) • Glorious Revolution of 1688 • Contract Governance • Representative Democracy • Federalism • Religious Liberty • Immigrant/Settler Societies

  6. Constitutions United States Canada 1867 British North America Act / 1982 Canadian Constitution Act Charter of Rights Powers enumerated, those not enumerated are federal Only one constitution • 1787 • Bill of Rights • Separation of Powers • Powers not granted to the federal government are reserved to the states • All states have their own constitutions

  7. Presidential versus Parliamentary United States • Voters choose Representatives, Senators, and Electoral College (which elects the President) • President hires Cabinet, Senate confirms • President nominates judges including Supreme Court, Senate confirms

  8. Presidential versus Parliamentary Canada Voters elect a Parliament, Parliament elects a government Executive-Legislative Fusion; all cabinet drawn from legislature Senators and judges appointed by Prime Minister

  9. Presidential versus Parliamentary United States Canada Voters elect a Parliament, Parliament elects a government Executive-Legislative Fusion; all cabinet drawn from legislature Senators and judges appointed by Prime Minister • Voters choose Representatives, Senators, and Electoral College (which elects the President) • President hires Cabinet, Senate confirms • President nominates judges including Supreme Court, Senate confirms

  10. Executive Branch United States Canada Prime Minister is leader of party with a majority of seats in Parliament…or a plurality Professional civil service • President and VP are only elected officials • Political appointees steer public service

  11. Legislatures Congress Parliament Bicameral Direct election of MPs House of Commons by population; Senate appointed Weak committees, Question Period • Bicameral • Direct election • House of Representatives by population; Senate by state • Committee Hearings, filibusters

  12. House of Commons http://www.parl.gc.ca/SenatorsMembers/House/PartyStandings/standings-E.htm

  13. Commons Reform?

  14. Senate

  15. Judiciary United States Canada PM appoints judges Criminal code federal Provinces fund and administer provincial courts Separate and distinct jurisdictions Common and Civil Law Constitutionality after 1982 Americanization? • State and local judges elected • Federal judges appointed and confirmed by the Senate • Overlapping jurisdiction • Common Law foundations • Constitutionality

  16. Issues • Compare and debate aboriginal rights • Land claims in Canada • Mainstreaming versus tradition • Economic and social development

  17. Issues • Afghanistan War • Compare roles and responsibilities • Why did Canada participate?

  18. Issues • Kyoto Accords and Copenhagen Process • What did Canada, US agree to do? • What role did energy sector play in each country? • Energy infrastructure

  19. Issues • Immigration reforms • Role of French and even Mandarin in Canada versus Spanish in the USA • Citizenship tests • Family reunification (US) versus Points System (Canada)

  20. Issues • Health care • Single payer, medical personnel as civil servants in Canada (govt funding but limited funds) • Private insurers, independent medical care in US (more money, and more R&D, but higher costs)

  21. Comparing Political Systems:Canada versus the United States Christopher Sands G. Robert Ross Distinguished Professor of Canada-U.S. Business and Economics Study Canada 2014 Ottawa, Ontario June 26, 2014

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